Raphael L. “Ray” Dalsing, 86, Seneca, KS, died early Sunday morning, October 23, 2005, at Crestview Manor in Seneca.

He was born June 21, 1919, at the Dalsing homestead northeast of Seneca, the son of Clem H. and Nellie Farley Dalsing. He attended Sts. Peter & Paul School, worked on the family farm, and helped on neighboring farms.

On July 17, 1941, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served until October 30, 1945. While he was in the service he traveled all around the world and helped to build the Burma Road. As a mechanic, he repaired large equipment needed for construction. Following military service, he returned to Seneca and operated the Standard Service Station on Main Street in Seneca for a year with his brother Wilfred, and also helped his brother with a trucking service hauling grain and cattle. Ray purchased a farm southwest of Axtell, where he farmed and raised hogs. In 1986 he retired from farming and moved into Baileyville. Due to failing health, he entered Crestview Manor in May of 1993. At Crestview, he always raised the flag every morning, brought in the mail, and got the chapel ready for Mass.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church. He was an expert mechanic, who liked to fix about anything. He especially like welding to repair farm equipment.

Survivors include a sister, Roseanna “Rosie” Mathewson of Topeka and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, an infant Paul, August 16, 1930, Wilfred on June 18, 1990, and Edward on June 30, 1999; two sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Dalsing on November 14, 1989 and Mary McDonnell on October 22, 2000.

Mass of Christian burial will be 1 PM Tuesday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be with military honors in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. He will lie in state at Lauer Funeral Home after 8:30 AM Monday.

Memorials may be sent to Sts. Peter & Paul School, Seneca, KS 66538.